This topic is about creating a simple, do-it-yourself system to help remember when to change a colostomy pouch, especially when following a 6-day cycle. The idea is to make it easier to track the days since the last change, as this cycle doesn't align neatly with a 7-day week. Here's how you can set up your own change-day tracker and some additional tips for managing your colostomy:

- To make the tracker, you'll need a small board, seven small nails, a hammer, a magic marker, and optionally, some paint and a small ring. Label each nail with a day of the week. Hang the ring on the nail that represents the day you last changed your pouch. Move the ring to the next nail each day. When it reaches the nail that marks six days, it's time to change. This board can be hung in the bathroom and serves as a reminder to fast 12 hours before changing. This method can be adapted for any cycle length.

- The 6-day cycle is the maximum for the originator, as going longer led to nighttime blow-outs due to active sleeping. To protect their mattress, they had a custom waterproof cover made from boat-cover material, which was costly but cheaper than replacing the mattress.

Here are some additional tips and insights:

1. Alternative tracking methods:
- Keep a calendar in the bathroom and mark the next change date.
- Write the change date directly on the front of the pouch with a black magic marker.

2. Bed protection:
- Ready-made waterproof mattress covers are available at stores like Walmart and are easy to wash after a leak.

3. Clothing protection while draining or changing:
- Use a wooden clothes-pin to clip your shirt or blouse up and away from the stoma area to avoid soiling and wrinkles.

4. Managing wear time and product choice:
- Some people use Hollister wafer-pouch systems and comfortably go 5–7 days between changes.
- One person had to change every 3–4 days with Coloplast products but extended wear time after switching to Hollister.
- Others inspect the seal and change whenever adhesion starts to fail rather than following a strict schedule.

5. Overnight management:
- Light sleepers may wake every 2–3 hours to empty the bag, reducing the risk of nighttime leaks.

6. Supply considerations:
- In the UK, ostomy supplies are provided free and can support very frequent pouch changes, even 6–10 times daily, for those who need or prefer it.